I know no one really knows the answer to this question. But can anyone make an educated guess as to when the K10D will be updated? I am considering purchasing either the k10d or the nikon d80 but they are both over a year old now and my experience with electronics tells me a year old product is soon to be updated. Would it make sense for the K10d to be updated before Xmas season?

Apart from the calendar mentionned by Gordon (Bonjour Gordon ), there's another point for the next vs actual offer.

As always, you have the choice

if you aren't in a hurry, wait for the next product, with possible delays (look at the Pentax DA* lenses: one year between announcement and availability ) and check reviews before purchasing it;

if you need a dSLR right now, go for today's offer: well-known, fully tested, distinguished with awards , reliable D80 or K10D.

In France, K10D and D80 prices are 10% lower than before July-August holidays. This seems rather normal, since peak season is before holidays. Extra bonus comes from the EUR / USD exchange rate, making imports cheaper since September. That's terrific value before X-mas holidays

Thanks for the replies everyone. I decided to go with the K10d. I have a few old school pentax lenses that I can use with it and I an traveling to peru (machu pichu) in november and decided that having the camera a month ahead of time to fully familiarize myself with its functions would be a good idea.

You'll love Machu Picchu - it's somewhere I always wanted to visit, then when I finally made it, it felt seriously unreal. If I could give you just three tips, it would be the following:

1: Make sure you're there early or preferrably later, beating the crowds or hanging around after they've gone. the light is also better early or late, but get the hang of exposure compensation and shooting in RAW becuase it can be challenge to get the result you want.

2: For sure take the famous shots, but also explore the full site if you have time - you can easily get away from the crowds.

3: If you're staying in the Machu Picchu village at the bottom of the mountain, consider eating in the indoor market. Some great local food and considerably cheaper than the restaurants!

Here's one of my favourite shots taken at the end of the day - and for once I didn't mind someone - or something - walking in front of me as I took the photo!